Page 66 of The Duke Meets His Match

“You changed your mind. Why?”

“It’s not so easy.”

“But it is. From what I surmised, she already agreed. Why change your mind?”

Michael ran a hand down his face. He’d gone berserk when Henry had waved the bloody letter in his face. Every muscle in his body had tightened, and pressure in his chest had squeezed unbearably until animal instinct had taken over and he’d lunged for Henry. His actions had irrevocable consequences.

Good God. He believed that he’d had a breakthrough with her in his study. He’d actually thought there was a chance his condition could improve with time and patience, and he had hope for a future. A future with her. What a fool he’d been.

“It’s complicated.”

“Why?”

Michael’s jaw tensed. “You saw for yourself. The war has left me…unbalanced.”

“Last night was an accident, and I should never have shown you my father’s letter. You cannot possibly think that you would purposely harm her.”

He hoped to God he’d never intentionally harm anyone during one of his fits, but there was the emotional harm that he’d certainly cause. “She has already known loss when her father abandoned her. I would be no different.”

“I don’t believe you would, and deep down I think you know it as well. Are you willing to just walk away?”

The thought made his jaw clench. His need for Chloe went deeper than just physical attraction. She was a part of him, she didn’t judge him or pity him, but rather, she understood. She’d foolishly thought her youthful sins made her unworthy when he found them admirable. Her past had forged her into an incredibly strong woman. A desirable woman.

The perfect woman for him.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned from this entire experience it is that love is rare and special,” Henry said. “A man does not get to choose with whom, or when, he falls in love. Only the lucky ones get to grow old sharing the same pillow with a woman they love. And it may not happen to everyone. But when it does, you must seize it like the precious thing that it is. To walk away from it is a crime.”

Henry’s words struck him in the gut. He longed to hold Chloe through the night and wake each day beside her. His tormented soul wasn’t entirely healed, he knew that, but she was the only one who had begun his path to his recovery.

He loved her. Totally and completely, he loved her. Looking back, he realized his feelings for her had begun the very first time she’d visited his home, stood up to him, and boldly told him she’d filched a man’s purse rather than bother with his handkerchief. But that was why he was walking away. For her. For her future. She deserved better than a broken man.

“You have matured into a good man, Henry. Your father would be proud,” Michael said.

“Thank you, Your Grace. My father would have wanted you to be at peace.”

Michael felt his throat close up at the mention of his old friend. “And what about you?”

Henry chuckled. “I received an invitation this morning from the charming Lady Willowby to attend an intimate gathering at her home.”

Michael suspected the shrewd widow had moved on to her next conquest. He wasn’t alarmed. He was learning to trust Henry’s judgment. Perhaps Lady Willowby would be a perfect match for him. “Good luck with the widow.”

Henry stood and walked to the door, then turned to look back. “I can only hope you come to your senses. Don’t let happiness slip through your fingers.”

Michael pushed back his chair after Henry departed. Henry didn’t understand. Happiness had to be shared. He couldn’t be that selfish. He loved Chloe with all his being.

That’s why he had to let her go.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chloe arrived home from the orphanage to find Eliza and Amelia in the breakfast room. Their husbands weren’t present, and the two sisters were enjoying cups of tea in the lovely, sun-drenched room.

“Come join us, Chloe,” Eliza called out.

Chloe’s nerves were frayed after everything that had occurred, but she knew her sisters would be concerned if she refused to join them. She chose a chair, and a footman set forth a cup of steaming tea before her then quietly left the room.

“How’s Emily?” Amelia asked.

“For the first time, there is hope. The duke sent his own physician to treat her.” Chloe did not have the opportunity to thank Michael for sending Dr. Graves to see Emily. Would she ever get the chance?